Take the time to… start the day right

Five morning rituals to positively charge yourself

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By Natalia Bojanic

25 May 2016

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We've all heard the question, "Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" The ancient Romans were actually very careful to always to get up on the correct side of the bed to ensure that good luck would follow them through their days. The myth goes that if they got up "left foot forward" or "on the wrong side of the bed", they would be unlucky. Modern life allows no time for sluggish, grumpy mornings and a few simple rituals can help you to set up the tone for the rest of the day, and be more productive and efficient.

Here are five steps to prepare you for an energy-filled day:

1. Replace your boring alarm tone with a cheerful song

Isn't it much more fun to wake up listening to your favourite song instead of a noise that means nothing to you? Music has an instant ability to lift your mood and is one of the most powerful neurobiological tools we have to change our mindset and behaviour. Scientists have found that listening to particularly happy or sad music changes the way we perceive the world. So start the day listening to a song like Bill Withers' 'Lovely Day' to create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Don't be shy about your music choice, not even Beyoncé is cool at 6am. And remember to keep your playlist updated as your brain needs constant and new stimulation to keep the neurones firing.

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2. Have a mental shower

If the idea of sitting still for 20 minutes to meditate does not appeal to you, I have good news: just 10 to 20 seconds of conscious breathing can have a calming effect on your nervous system. The key is to slip out of auto-pilot and seek awareness in whatever you are doing. You can be present and focus your attention when having your shower, washing your face, or even brushing your teeth. Training your mind to be still in the present is a skill you can develop. A great start is not to wonder about what has happened or overthink the millions of things you have ahead of you.

Start doing this for a couple of minutes a day and very soon you will be able to be more comfortable with meditation. Taking the time to focus in the now will improve your ability to concentrate and see things more clearly.

3. Reaffirm yourself

Self-belief and inner confidence are the best accessories – they transform the average look into an extraordinary aura. Affirmations that you repeat to yourself in front of the mirror will reflect the energy that you vibrate to the world. I've listed my favourite sayings so you can pick which most resonates with you:

"The positive advantage is always mine."

"My personality is radiant with confidence, certainty and optimism."

"My attitude grows happier and healthier every single day."

"Success and achievement are natural outcomes to me."

"I have a magnetic and dynamic personality."

4. Meet matcha

The drink of the Samurais, matcha tea gives you a gentle kick and has a mega dose of antioxidants (one cup is the equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea). It is a powerhouse of nutrients and minerals, including selenium, zinc and magnesium. It boosts metabolism, detoxifies naturally, calms the mind, enhances mood and aids concentration. Science has recently confirmed that a rare amino acid found in matcha, L-Theanine, promotes a state of relaxed alertness and helps memory and learning ability, while inhibiting any possible side-effects from caffeine, a natural component of green tea. It's green energy without the jitters.

5. Move

Cardio exercise makes your heart muscles stronger and more resilient to cope with challenges. Plus, the endorphins released make you happy. Spending hours in the gym is not realistic, but 27 minutes of continuous exercising is when the magic starts to happen. So take half an hour to run outside, do a spinning class, or a HIIT workout. The key is to find activities that bring you joy. Pushing yourself in a torture machine is not a positively charged way to start the day!

For more ways to supercharge your lifestyle, check out my blog, or follow me on Instagram (@NataliaBojanic) and Snapchat (NataliaBojan).

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